From EMP to Viajante 87: Pietro Collina on Leading Bar Culture at the Highest Level

In this episode of The Post Shift Podcast, I sat down with Pietro Collina-one of the most respected bar directors in the world. From Eleven Madison Park to The NoMad Hotels and now guiding Viajante87, Pietro has spent over 15 years shaping hospitality with precision, passion, and heart.

Mastering Multi-Unit Leadership

Right from the opening, Pietro delivers a masterclass on multi‑unit management. He lays it out clearly: successful scaling isn’t about micromanagement-it’s about building systems rooted in trust, accountability, and a shared vision. That framework is what turned The NoMad’s cocktail bars into globally recognized powerhouses and allowed him to guide teams across diverse venues.

Cultivating Bar Culture, Not Just Menus

Pietro’s journey started in the kitchen and sommelier world, but it was behind the bar at Eleven Madison Park (EMP) where he found his calling. The energy, the interaction, the storytelling-he recognized bartending wasn’t just about drinks; it was about connection. From EMP to NoMad and now London’s Viajante87, he’s fostered team cultures that prize creativity, learning, and emotional engagement alongside technical excellence.

Creative Excellence Meets Operational Rigor

What sets Pietro apart is his ability to balance creative freedom with operational clarity. Want to open a cocktail program that feels alive yet runs smoothly? He’s your guy. That balance helped Viajante87 re-enter the extended list of World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 and snag top spots in The Pinnacle Guide, all within months of relaunch.

Training, Menu Design & Team Development at Scale

For Pietro, a bar program isn’t just dictated by menu-it’s defined by the people who bring it to life. At Fine Drinks Co., he directs concept development, staff training, and creative menu design-on a global scale. Whether it’s behind hotels, pop-ups, or up-and-coming venues, his approach remains consistent: empower your team, build smart systems, and let the creativity flow.

Vision Rooted in Purpose

Even at the height of success, Pietro keeps his eye on the bigger picture: creating hospitable spaces that elevate both guest and team. He’s grounded in emotional leadership, caring deeply about the people behind the bar-not just the accolades. Whether training behind the stick or obsessing over low‑ABV balance and flavor storytelling, it’s always about longevity with purpose.